Golf fans to face ticket ballot for 150th Open at St Andrews

Golf fans will have to enter a ballot to get their hands on tickets for the 150th Open at St Andrews next year.

The tournament returns to the Home of Golf next July, with organisers the R&A saying there are already "extremely high levels of demand" to attend.

It says a ballot - running from next month until October - will be the "fairest and most equitable way" of ensuring fans can secure their place.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: "This is a momentous occasion for golf as well as The Open and one which sports fans everywhere are looking forward to enormously.

"The 150th Open will give fans the opportunity to be part of a unique and unparalleled celebration at the birthplace of the game in St Andrews.

"We expect exceptional demand to be part of these celebrations and the ballot will give as many fans as possible the chance to secure a ticket and be part of history being made at one of the world’s most revered and renowned sporting events."

Tickets for next year's event are being priced at £95 for an adult on championship days, and between £20 and £50 on practice days.

Free tickets will be available for children, with kids aged 16 to 24 going half price. However, weekly tickets are being scrapped to give as many people as possible the chance to attend.

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